Washington State’s most destructive wildfire season in recent memory is winding down, with the state’s two largest fires — the Little Giant and Sinlahekin — approaching full containment, and a statewide outdoor burn ban officially lifted as of October 1, 2026.

Little Giant Fire: 172,896 Acres, 93% Contained

The Little Giant Fire, burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest approximately 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, has grown to approximately 172,896 acres and reached 93% containment. The fire, which destroyed at least 40 structures, is now mostly smoldering with occasional interior flare-ups near the Trinity area. Fire crews are working to extinguish remaining hot spots along the perimeter. The fire has been actively burning for more than 77 days.

Sinlahekin Fire: 166,007 Acres, 93-94% Contained

The Sinlahekin Fire — sparked by lightning in the Sinlahekin Valley 12 miles west of Tonasket on July 26 — burned 166,007 acres and is now approximately 93 to 94% contained. The fire drew national attention when it doubled in size on August 1 during a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning event, ultimately becoming one of the largest fires in Washington state history. Evacuation orders at the fire’s peak forced hundreds of residents from their homes in Okanogan County.

Other Active Incidents

Also still requiring attention in Washington:

  • Ptarmigan Fire (Okanogan County): 25,166 acres, 75% contained
  • Sisi Fire (Chelan County, northwest of Stehekin): 4,330 acres, 29% contained; structures threatened, area closures in effect, estimated cost $10 million

Burn Bans Lifted Statewide

The Washington State Fire Marshal announced that the statewide outdoor burn ban — in effect since mid-summer — was lifted October 1 at 8:00 a.m. King County, Seattle, Whatcom County, and Pacific County all aligned their local restrictions with the state-level change.

However, officials were quick to note that lifting the burn ban does not signal the end of fire risk. “Fire season isn’t over simply because the burn ban has been lifted,” said a Washington DNR spokesperson. “October can still bring dry and windy conditions, and fire risk remains real across eastern Washington.”

Residents near Okanogan and Chelan counties — the hardest-hit areas — are encouraged to verify whether local restrictions beyond the statewide ban remain in effect. Washington lawmakers are also coordinating federal disaster aid requests to help eastern Washington communities recover from this summer’s widespread structure losses.